Since thePokémonphenomenon emerged in 1996, the franchise has been winning over more and more players and building a worldwide fanbase.
Given that success, it was only natural that many creators would want to produce their own takes on the monster catcher genre. Some found moderate success, others not so much, but none ever came close toPokémon.
10 Weak Pokemon With Insane Potential
Ever wanted to use some new Pokemon instead of the usual favourites? These weak Pokemon have insane potential to carry you through the game and beyond
Still, every now and then, a new game pops up on the horizon that catches our eye notsolely by copying Pikachu’s playbook, but by experimenting with that familiarity while mixing in its own identity.
That’s the case withBagdex, a monster catcher withgameplay similar toPokémon, but whose entire theme is based on Brazilian folklore. Being Brazilian, I know I’m biased when talking about the game. That’s why I hope this interview with the team behind the title makes you curious aboutBagdexand leads you to learn more about it.
How Bagdex Differs From Pokémon
Q: First, I’d like you to introduce yourself, tell us aboutBagdex, and share how the project came to be.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity. My name is Matheus, I’m the CEO and lead developer at Caramelo Games, the studio behindBagdex.Bagdexstarted when one of our four co-founders, Bag, made a fun little project on Twitter. He created 151 Pokémon in a Brazilian version. When he wrapped it up, the project went viral.
Since the four of us had already worked in the game industry for a while, we considered turning it into a game. Once we got started, Dumativa reached out to support us. With Dumativa and Nuuvem, we launched a crowdfunding campaign, raised some money, and are now working hard to bring the game to life.
Bagdexitself is amonster catcher likePokémon, but inspired by Brazil. There are many cultural references, like a Bagmon, a flip-flop with a nail, or an ice cream container full of beans, all part of Brazilian daily life. We also put a lot of work into our Training Center, where players can build theirown spaces in a cozy,Animal Crossingway. You’ll build your base, place decorations, fish, plant, interact with Bagmons, pet them, feed them, and do other things.”
Q: As you mentioned,Bagdexis deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and folklore. How has the localization effort been going to make it work for other countries without losing those references? Will you adapt content to different regions or try to spread Brazilian culture through the game?
“It’s a bit of both. Just like the best localization projects are those that make use of local terms, we’re not looking to erase our Brazilian culture. We’re adapting jokes and other things, but our roots will remain there. Brazil is a multicultural country, so we’ll explore regions like Liberdade (known as Japantown), or German-style architecture from the South. Naturally, we’ll bring in elements from other cultures, too.”
Q: Tell me a bit aboutBagdex’sgameplay. You mentioned there’ll be cozy sections and base building, but what’s the standout feature for those who think this is just anotherPokémon-like?
“The main difference, especially for Brazilian players, is that sense of belonging. But globally, it’s the Training Center and how we interpret the monster catcher concept differently. The focus on the Training Center is our biggest differential.
Players will be able to take care of Bagmons there, which includes a bonding system, so each gameplay feels truly unique. We’re putting a lot of care into giving the game a different flavor compared to other monster catchers.”
Q: I got to try the game and loved it, but I only saw the Training Center parts. Is there a backstory to the protagonists? Something that drives them on their adventure, or are they just trying to become the best Bagmon trainer of all time?
“The game takes place in Brasilis and is divided into five regions. You can choose where to start, but there will still be a linear story. I can’t go into much detail, but it’s not just about becoming the best trainer or battler. The story is much more tied to research and exploration.”
Q: Tell me about the game’s distribution and release. Does Bagdex have a release date? And what has the effort been like to publishBagdexinternationally?
“Nuuvem is our publisher in Brazil. They’re handling everything on the publishing side, and we have a pre-order campaign live on their website. We’re negotiating with several external publishers to bringBagdexabroad. Right now, we don’t have a fixed release date. We’re taking our time to deliver a complete game that the community deserves.”
Q: Where can people find you to learn ?
“The best place to stay informed about all the updates is theofficialBagdexInstagram. If anyone wants to talk to the community, the best way is throughDiscord. We’ve got a very active server with over 10,000 members. We’re always listening to feedback, and everyone’s welcome.”
Every Mainline Pokemon Generation, Ranked By Story
While the Pokemon games are more known for their characters and mechanics, it doesn’t mean there aren’t some great stories in there.
